The 32-year-old former Manchester United goalkeeper, along with ex-Old Trafford team-mate Eric Djemba-Djemba, is chasing the domestic title with Odense and his performances since August have seen him named Danish goalkeeper of the year, an award he picked up at the weekend.

Carroll has previously sought treatment for stress-related problems but feels his performances in Scandinavia prove he is totally focused on football.

"Things happen in football and you just want to get a second chance, that's what I'm trying to do," Carroll told Press Association Sport.

"This will help me, hopefully to get back playing for Northern Ireland as well.

"My motivation is to do well this season and in the summer see what happens. You want to play in the top league and that is England.

"I've signed a three-year contract so I've got two left and I'm just happy to be playing and grateful that OB (Odense) gave me a chance to play. I'm going to work hard for the club."

Carroll's last game in English football was last season in Derby's Carling Cup defeat at Manchester United, and he admits playing in Denmark is at the other end of the footballing scale.

But after being told last August by Derby boss Nigel Clough he was surplus to requirements at Pride Park, Carroll chose to move to Denmark.

"I had the opportunity to go to Greece but knew Djemba-Djemba and he said it's a good club pushing for Europe and could be in the Champions League next season," he said.

"I'm playing football and that is the main thing. We are second in the league and fighting for the championship. It's all about the chance to play, which I didn't get in England.

"It is a sacrifice. I'm over here playing but my family is still in England and it's very difficult.

"At Derby they were living in London and I could get down to see them once or twice a week. Moving to Denmark has been completely different and it's more like once or twice a month."

Odense are just behind leaders Copenhagen and Carroll is desperate to help them win the title and get them in the Champions League to add his Premier League and FA Cup haul.

It was ahead of their 1-1 draw against SonderjyskE at the weekend that Carroll picked up Det Gyldne Bur - which translates as The Golden Cage - for the goalkeeper of the year.

"It was unexpected," he said. "I was only here for two months and the award was for the whole year of 2009. I was voted by fellow goalkeepers so it was a great honour to get it.

"It's just nice to have people recognise me and that I'm still around performing well for my team."

Carroll is hoping that Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington is noting his form and hands him an international return.

He added: "I want to do it. I'm still only 32, I have 19 caps and want to try to get more. I spoke to Nigel last season and he said he'd give me a ring if he signs a new contract.

"He signed it but maybe he's lost my number. I'm just going to have to perform on the pitch to prove I can play for Northern Ireland again."